Effect of socio economic status on nutritional status of pregnant women and pregnancy outcome in selected urban slums of Madurai district.

摘要

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic status on the nutritional status of pregnant women and on pregnancy outcome in selected urban slums of Madurai Corporation (Tamil Nadu, India) [date not given]. 30 pregnant women (age range: 20-28 years) participating in the ICDS Programme were randomly selected as participants. Basic information, as well as anthropometric measurements, were collected. Also, all the participants were subjected to clinical and laboratory examinations throughout the study period. Based on several socioeconomic parameters, the sample was divided into four: lower socioeconomic status (LSS), lower middle socioeconomic status (LMSS), higher middle socioeconomic status (HMSS), and high socioeconomic status (HSS). In general, all groups of pregnant women had deficient energy and nutritional intake. Signs and symptoms of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin C deficiency were noted in all groups. However, most of their offsprings had a recorded birthweight of > 2.5 kg, except in the LSS group. The infants of mothers in the LSS group were thin but had normal crown-heel length. None of the pregnant women suffered from any illness, and majority had a normal delivery. These results highlight the significant effect of the socioeconomic status on the nutritional status of pregnant women and on the subsequent pregnancy outcome.